I've owned multiple King James Bibles, and this one is by far my favorite. Before I started reading the KJB I read the NIV and got used to it's single column layout. I prefer the readability of the single column layout as compared to the typical 2 column, as the flow is just so much better. I like that Cambridge has kept the dedicatory to King James and the section The Translators to the Reader that almost every other KJB leaves out. The leather binding is of top quality, the goatskin feels wonderful to hold. Since the goatskin is supple it folds in your hands easily which means holding it in your hands is much easier as you're not having to fight the stiffness of leather to keep it open.

I received the Cambridge KJV Clarion Reference in Goatskin from a friend the other day and I feel compelled to express my thoughts...

If I only had one world that I could use to describe this Bible, that one word would be "PERFECT"!

1st. The Goatskin cover is simply amazing! Everything that is true about the Cambridge Wide-Margin covers is true about this one; it is super flexible, limp and amazingly grainy. Honestly, in my opinion Allan's goatskin offerings aren't better, just different than that of Cambridge. You can take the Clarion cover, roll it up like a scroll only to have it roll back into place as if nothing ever happened.

2nd. The layout, font choice and font size makes this KJV stand out in a crowd. Most KJV's use an antiquated font, so the modern font makes everything feel fresh. Chances are that the passer by would mistakingly assume this Bible was something other than the KJV at first glance. The single column setting also aids in giving this KJV a "youthful makeover". IMO, the size of the font is perfect for the size of the text block; it's not too big and not too small.

3rd. Cambridge hit a home-run with the dimensions of the Clarion. The Bible just feels perfect it your hand; it doesn't matter if it is open or closed, it just feels right. I can hold it with with one hand without getting tired because of the size. Also, because the footprint is not huge, there is no need to hold up the page you are reading with what would have been your free hand. There is also no need to fold the cover over on it self in order to hold it with one hand (although you easily could). This Bible even works perfectly while one is sitting in bed and reading; it just does well in most any situation you find yourself in.

4th. The paper is exactly the way it needs to be. With the primary purpose for this Bible is reading, the paper is not really thick. That is because this is not a wide-margin Bible made for taking notes (which should easily be noticed because of lack of margin space). Also, the paper being thinner helps to keep the size in check to give us those perfect dimensions. This begs the question of whats so great about the paper. Well, the paper is really white (which Cambridge is really good at doing) and the text is dark which causes the text to jump of the page.

Conclusion: Cambridge did a wonderful job with this edition. It is no doubt the best Cambridge Bible I have ever owned, and in the discussion of being one of the best Bibles of all time. A must have in any persons Bible library.

The single column paragraph format is just what I was waiting for - a Bible which reads like an regular book. The black goatskin is beautiful and feels good. The goatskin is flexible, soft, and softly shiny. I'm not fond of the red ribbons with the black cover, but that's a matter of personal aesthetic.

My only complaint lies in the font size. For its size, it's readable, but I find I have to use the bifocal part of my glasses to read it comfortably.

All in all, a great Bible which would be improved with a larger font and actual concordance in the Reader's Companion.

I love the single column paragraph format. This has become my daily reading Bible of God's Word. My other double column Bibles are now used for other deeper Bible study.

Yes the pages are thin so there is some ghosting, a bit of compromise in keeping the size and weight down. However, I just bow or slightly lift the page I am reading if it starts to bother me.

The color scheme of this Bible just works, the warm-black of the goatskin cover, the light cream colored pages, art-gilt edges, and the two red ribbon markers make this Bible look nice just sitting on the desk as well as it being a pleasure to read.